#2 Or how a​​​​bout wooden pallets?

Another cheap and easy component for your coffee table is the pallet. As with crates, a quick clean and rough sanding to remove any large splinters may be all you need. Alternatively, sand carefully and use stain or varnish to bring out the grain of the wood, or paint to match your color scheme.

#5 …Or perhaps an old window frame?

We think this is one of the cleverest bits of upcycling we’ve seen in a while. Turn an old window frame into a coffee table top, and you’ll have not just a striking piece of furniture, but a useful space to display your collectibles.

Take a look here for step by step instructions to create your own version.

#8 Use a cable spool for a coffee table with bookshelves

If you enjoy reading whilst sipping your coffee, you’ll love this idea! Take an old wooden spool – the kind used for storing cables – and paint it. Now add some dowel rods between the top and bottom discs.

Hey presto – you have a coffee table with space to store your books underneath! These step by step instructions show how to make your own.

#12 Bring the outdoors in

If you want a rustic look, wooden logs make a striking coffee table. Make a simple box out of plywood and attach the logs to the outside. Then add discs of wood to the surface and grout between them. This gives the illusion of a table made completely of logs, whilst being a lot lighter!

#14 Create the illusion of space with mirrors…

Mirrored furniture is great for creating a sense of space by reflecting its surroundings – but it comes at a price. Make your own mirrored coffee table using some plywood and mirrored panels. It’s easier than you think!

#18 Decorate your coffee table with bottle caps…

First, add some square doweling around the edge to form a frame. Then carefully arrange your collection of bottle caps (or beer mats or buttons) inside it. Finish with a glass cover and you’ll have a table like no one else!

#22 Create mid-century style with MDF

Mid-twentieth century furniture is all the rage right now, but unfortunately has prices to match. Create your own take on Scandinavian chic with a piece of MDF, gloss paint and some tapered table legs.

You can find a great design and step by step instructions here. The result will be yours for under $50.

#23 How about an aquarium coffee table?

That’s right – it really is possible to build your own aquarium coffee table! At about $110 for the materials for a 10 gallon version, it’s not cheap. But it’s still only a fraction of the price of ready-made versions.

What’s more, you can find all the materials you need at any good DIY superstore.

#24 And while we’re on the animal theme – what about a chicken coop version?

This has to be one of the most inventive ideas for a coffee table we’ve seen! Take an old wooden chicken coop, attach legs, and carefully stain it. Add a glass top – and the result is quite simply beautiful.

Who would have guessed that Chicken Little’s old home could look this good?!

#27 For warmer tones, use copper piping

The copper piping used by plumbers is brilliant when it comes to making DIY furniture. Handy fixing pieces called elbows and tees help create the shapes you want. And though you’re supposed to solder copper to fix it together securely, gorilla glue seems to work just as well!

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of fabulous DIY coffee tables.

Whatever your budget, and whether DIY beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a fabulous design out there for you. And when you’re done, you’ll have a unique piece of furniture, and the satisfaction of knowing it’s all your own work.

We hope we’ve convinced you to give it a try! Please tell us what you think in the comments. And if you’ve enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends.